How much hotter is a vindaloo compared to Mardras?

marieukxx · 24-07-2011, 16:18

I usually have a madras from the indian and was thinking of taking a step up. Is a compeletly different taste or just hotter. How much hotter is it?

Rogana Josh · 24-07-2011, 16:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by marieukxx

I usually have a madras from the indian and was thinking of taking a step up. Is a compeletly different taste or just hotter. How much hotter is it?

The last one I had was about 100% hotter

Get plenty of tissues ready as you will have tears coming from your eyes and your nose will be running continually, when you're eating it

Its' great!

KidPoker · 24-07-2011, 17:19

Madras isn't even hot. =/

Azagoth · 24-07-2011, 18:01

I'd have to say the difference between a good Madras and a good Vindaloo is about the same as the difference between a good Vindaloo and good Phaal. Then again, it all depends on the curry-house in question.

Flying Dagger · 24-07-2011, 19:47

Very difficult to answer as we all have different ideas as to what is hot. If a madras is no problem you should be able to cope. In my younger and more resilient days when I have had a vindaloo it has had a more sour taste than madras.

Paul1511 · 24-07-2011, 20:35

I normally take a Madras. I have had Vindaloos however.

For me the issue isn't the heat - I can handle the heat of a Vindaloo - I just don't like the taste. They seem much thicker and gloopy and just has a harsher flavour.

Russ_WWFC · 25-07-2011, 12:50

Vindaloo isn't really that hot in my experience compared to a Madras. For a proper step up, try a Phaal

c4rv · 25-07-2011, 13:22

depends on the restaurant. There is no international standard for strength of dishes. I have madras in one place that was hotter then a phal I have had elsewhere, god only knows that their vindaloo tastes like.

Also the flavour of vindaloo should be different to madras, it should be a much more sour taste and not just about heat.

Azagoth · 25-07-2011, 16:25

Has anyone tried a Tarka?

Spoiler

nobabydaddy · 25-07-2011, 16:31

lol

Ryan_Abbott1 · 04-03-2016, 18:42

I usually have Chicken Korma and have done for many years, but now wish to try other Indian curries. I am looking to try Chicken Madras. How hot is the madras? I do like spicy food but not overpowering.

dellzincht · 04-03-2016, 20:44

Madras is hot, but not too hot. If you've only eaten Kormas before maybe try a Massala first? I dunno, it all depends on your tastebuds.

Nice necrobump, btw.

degsyhufc · 04-03-2016, 21:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ryan_Abbott1

I usually have Chicken Korma and have done for many years, but now wish to try other Indian curries. I am looking to try Chicken Madras. How hot is the madras? I do like spicy food but not overpowering.

If you like Korma then maybe try a masala or makhoni first, then a jalfrezi.

You may also like a Thai green curry. It has a coconut cream sauce but a bit spicier than a korma or masala.

WombatDeath · 04-03-2016, 22:42

Here's a useful tip: curry houses will (in my experience) let you dictate how hot you want your curry to be. So if you want to try a vindaloo to see if you like the taste, but are worried that it might be too hot, ask for something like a vindaloo with the heat of a madras.

It also works the other around; if I'm visiting an Indian place for the first time I will usually have a jalfrezi with the heat of a vindaloo.

barbeler · 05-03-2016, 00:43

I'm of the opinion that the stupidly hot curries are only eaten out of bravado by men (always men) who've just drunk about ten pints of lager. I'm sure the curry house staff treat them as a great source of amusement and dose them accordingly.

These days I greatly prefer a dhansak – a curry bursting with flavour that won't destroy your taste buds.

JulesF · 05-03-2016, 09:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by barbeler

I'm of the opinion that the stupidly hot curries are only eaten out of bravado by men (always men) who've just drunk about ten pints of lager. I'm sure the curry house staff treat them as a great source of amusement and dose them accordingly.

These days I greatly prefer a dhansak – a curry bursting with flavour that won't destroy your taste buds.

I will sometimes order (and make at home) a vindaloo. I'm female, don't drink beer and I'm pretty sure nobody is laughing at me when I do so. I like very hot food.

chopsim · 05-03-2016, 11:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by JulesF

I will sometimes order (and make at home) a vindaloo. I'm female, don't drink beer and I'm pretty sure nobody is laughing at me when I do so. I like very hot food.

Serious question, why do you like hot food? Is it the buzz you get from it?
It burns my mouth, then I can't taste anything. I like to be able to taste the spices and meat.

brangdon · 05-03-2016, 12:30

^^ Mostly people acclimatise. If someone has had a lot of hot curries over many years, the experience they get from one won't be the same as someone trying one for the first time.

venusinflares · 05-03-2016, 12:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by JulesF

I will sometimes order (and make at home) a vindaloo. I'm female, don't drink beer and I'm pretty sure nobody is laughing at me when I do so. I like very hot food.

Same here, I'm female and enjoy a good vindaloo!

JulesF · 05-03-2016, 15:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by chopsim

Serious question, why do you like hot food? Is it the buzz you get from it?
It burns my mouth, then I can't taste anything. I like to be able to taste the spices and meat.

It depends how sensitive you are to the heat. I'm used to it, as we grow different varieties of chillies at home every year and I use them often. I can still taste the other flavours. I like milder, more aromatic spicy food too, just sometimes I feel like some real heat.

zoepaulpenny · 05-03-2016, 18:31

I like chicken jalfrezi nice and tasty and not stupid hot..

dellzincht · 05-03-2016, 18:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by barbeler

I'm of the opinion that the stupidly hot curries are only eaten out of bravado by men (always men) who've just drunk about ten pints of lager. I'm sure the curry house staff treat them as a great source of amusement and dose them accordingly.

These days I greatly prefer a dhansak – a curry bursting with flavour that won't destroy your taste buds.

I once worked with an Indian chef who told me that hot curries aren't really a thing in India, over there it's all about the flavour. They make them hot over here purely because that's how the English like them.

Hottest I've ever gone was a Vindaloo and even that was too hot for me. I can't imagine trying a Phaal.

JulesF · 05-03-2016, 18:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by dellzincht

I once worked with an Indian chef who told me that hot curries aren't really a thing in India, over there it's all about the flavour. They make them hot over here purely because that's how the English like them.

Hottest I've ever gone was a Vindaloo and even that was too hot for me. I can't imagine trying a Phaal.

I'm really not sure that's entirely correct. A good curry is definitely about balance of flavours, not just pure heat, but a vindaloo is at least authentically Indian (from Goa, adapted from dishes brought over there by the Portuguese), whereas the much milder and more popular tikka massala was invented in Britain, for British tastes.

barbeler · 05-03-2016, 19:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by dellzincht

I once worked with an Indian chef who told me that hot curries aren't really a thing in India, over there it's all about the flavour. They make them hot over here purely because that's how the English like them.

Hottest I've ever gone was a Vindaloo and even that was too hot for me. I can't imagine trying a Phaal.

I was just about to post something similar, so I'm glad you've confirmed what I was also told.

dellzincht · 05-03-2016, 20:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by JulesF

I'm really not sure that's entirely correct. A good curry is definitely about balance of flavours, not just pure heat, but a vindaloo is at least authentically Indian (from Goa, adapted from dishes brought over there by the Portuguese), whereas the much milder and more popular tikka massala was invented in Britain, for British tastes.

So the Indian chef I worked with was lying, I don't think so. Vindaloo may be authentic but it's not something that's eaten often over there.

And Tikka Massala was still invented in India. It's one of the most popular curries in Britain but it's not British.

24-07-2011, 16:18	#1
marieukxx Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Cornwall Posts: 2,714	How much hotter is a vindaloo compared to Mardras? I usually have a madras from the indian and was thinking of taking a step up. Is a compeletly different taste or just hotter. How much hotter is it?

25-07-2011, 16:25	#9
Azagoth Inactive Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: 47°9'S 126°43′W Posts: 9,326	Has anyone tried a Tarka? Spoiler It's very much similar to a Tikka, but it's just a little otter.

24-07-2011, 16:53	#2
Rogana Josh Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Wee Highland Cottage Posts: 19,836	Quote: Originally Posted by marieukxx I usually have a madras from the indian and was thinking of taking a step up. Is a compeletly different taste or just hotter. How much hotter is it? The last one I had was about 100% hotter Get plenty of tissues ready as you will have tears coming from your eyes and your nose will be running continually, when you're eating it Its' great!

24-07-2011, 17:19	#3
KidPoker Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Winnersville Posts: 4,058	Madras isn't even hot. =/

24-07-2011, 18:01	#4
Azagoth Inactive Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: 47°9'S 126°43′W Posts: 9,326	I'd have to say the difference between a good Madras and a good Vindaloo is about the same as the difference between a good Vindaloo and good Phaal. Then again, it all depends on the curry-house in question.

24-07-2011, 19:47	#5
Flying Dagger Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Up North Posts: 1,359	Very difficult to answer as we all have different ideas as to what is hot. If a madras is no problem you should be able to cope. In my younger and more resilient days when I have had a vindaloo it has had a more sour taste than madras.

24-07-2011, 20:35	#6
Paul1511 Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 2,422	I normally take a Madras. I have had Vindaloos however. For me the issue isn't the heat - I can handle the heat of a Vindaloo - I just don't like the taste. They seem much thicker and gloopy and just has a harsher flavour.

25-07-2011, 12:50	#7
Russ_WWFC Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 1,710	Vindaloo isn't really that hot in my experience compared to a Madras. For a proper step up, try a Phaal

25-07-2011, 13:22	#8
c4rv Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Essex Posts: 16,218	depends on the restaurant. There is no international standard for strength of dishes. I have madras in one place that was hotter then a phal I have had elsewhere, god only knows that their vindaloo tastes like. Also the flavour of vindaloo should be different to madras, it should be a much more sour taste and not just about heat.

25-07-2011, 16:31	#10
nobabydaddy Forum Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 2,618	lol

04-03-2016, 18:42	#11
Ryan_Abbott1 Forum Member Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 1,723	I usually have Chicken Korma and have done for many years, but now wish to try other Indian curries. I am looking to try Chicken Madras. How hot is the madras? I do like spicy food but not overpowering.

04-03-2016, 20:44	#12
dellzincht Inactive Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Posts: 1,636	Madras is hot, but not too hot. If you've only eaten Kormas before maybe try a Massala first? I dunno, it all depends on your tastebuds. Nice necrobump, btw.

04-03-2016, 21:39	#13
degsyhufc Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Up North Posts: 58,791	Quote: Originally Posted by Ryan_Abbott1 I usually have Chicken Korma and have done for many years, but now wish to try other Indian curries. I am looking to try Chicken Madras. How hot is the madras? I do like spicy food but not overpowering. If you like Korma then maybe try a masala or makhoni first, then a jalfrezi. You may also like a Thai green curry. It has a coconut cream sauce but a bit spicier than a korma or masala.

04-03-2016, 22:42	#14
WombatDeath Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 2,068	Here's a useful tip: curry houses will (in my experience) let you dictate how hot you want your curry to be. So if you want to try a vindaloo to see if you like the taste, but are worried that it might be too hot, ask for something like a vindaloo with the heat of a madras. It also works the other around; if I'm visiting an Indian place for the first time I will usually have a jalfrezi with the heat of a vindaloo.

05-03-2016, 00:43	#15
barbeler Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 11,705	I'm of the opinion that the stupidly hot curries are only eaten out of bravado by men (always men) who've just drunk about ten pints of lager. I'm sure the curry house staff treat them as a great source of amusement and dose them accordingly. These days I greatly prefer a dhansak – a curry bursting with flavour that won't destroy your taste buds.

05-03-2016, 09:52	#16
JulesF Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 5,103	Quote: Originally Posted by barbeler I'm of the opinion that the stupidly hot curries are only eaten out of bravado by men (always men) who've just drunk about ten pints of lager. I'm sure the curry house staff treat them as a great source of amusement and dose them accordingly. These days I greatly prefer a dhansak – a curry bursting with flavour that won't destroy your taste buds. I will sometimes order (and make at home) a vindaloo. I'm female, don't drink beer and I'm pretty sure nobody is laughing at me when I do so. I like very hot food.

05-03-2016, 11:24	#17
chopsim Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Posts: 2,135	Quote: Originally Posted by JulesF I will sometimes order (and make at home) a vindaloo. I'm female, don't drink beer and I'm pretty sure nobody is laughing at me when I do so. I like very hot food. Serious question, why do you like hot food? Is it the buzz you get from it? It burns my mouth, then I can't taste anything. I like to be able to taste the spices and meat.

05-03-2016, 12:30	#18
brangdon Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Nottingham, UK Posts: 11,885	^^ Mostly people acclimatise. If someone has had a lot of hot curries over many years, the experience they get from one won't be the same as someone trying one for the first time.

05-03-2016, 12:44	#19
venusinflares Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Leeds Posts: 2,876	Quote: Originally Posted by JulesF I will sometimes order (and make at home) a vindaloo. I'm female, don't drink beer and I'm pretty sure nobody is laughing at me when I do so. I like very hot food. Same here, I'm female and enjoy a good vindaloo!

05-03-2016, 15:03	#20
JulesF Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 5,103	Quote: Originally Posted by chopsim Serious question, why do you like hot food? Is it the buzz you get from it? It burns my mouth, then I can't taste anything. I like to be able to taste the spices and meat. It depends how sensitive you are to the heat. I'm used to it, as we grow different varieties of chillies at home every year and I use them often. I can still taste the other flavours. I like milder, more aromatic spicy food too, just sometimes I feel like some real heat.

05-03-2016, 18:31	#21
zoepaulpenny Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: the land of the hobbit. Posts: 8,839	I like chicken jalfrezi nice and tasty and not stupid hot..

05-03-2016, 18:39	#22
dellzincht Inactive Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Posts: 1,636	Quote: Originally Posted by barbeler I'm of the opinion that the stupidly hot curries are only eaten out of bravado by men (always men) who've just drunk about ten pints of lager. I'm sure the curry house staff treat them as a great source of amusement and dose them accordingly. These days I greatly prefer a dhansak – a curry bursting with flavour that won't destroy your taste buds. I once worked with an Indian chef who told me that hot curries aren't really a thing in India, over there it's all about the flavour. They make them hot over here purely because that's how the English like them. Hottest I've ever gone was a Vindaloo and even that was too hot for me. I can't imagine trying a Phaal.

DS Forums

How much hotter is a vindaloo compared to Mardras?

05-03-2016, 18:52	#23
JulesF Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 5,103	Quote: Originally Posted by dellzincht I once worked with an Indian chef who told me that hot curries aren't really a thing in India, over there it's all about the flavour. They make them hot over here purely because that's how the English like them. Hottest I've ever gone was a Vindaloo and even that was too hot for me. I can't imagine trying a Phaal. I'm really not sure that's entirely correct. A good curry is definitely about balance of flavours, not just pure heat, but a vindaloo is at least authentically Indian (from Goa, adapted from dishes brought over there by the Portuguese), whereas the much milder and more popular tikka massala was invented in Britain, for British tastes.

05-03-2016, 19:24	#24
barbeler Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 11,705	Quote: Originally Posted by dellzincht I once worked with an Indian chef who told me that hot curries aren't really a thing in India, over there it's all about the flavour. They make them hot over here purely because that's how the English like them. Hottest I've ever gone was a Vindaloo and even that was too hot for me. I can't imagine trying a Phaal. I was just about to post something similar, so I'm glad you've confirmed what I was also told.

05-03-2016, 20:19	#25
dellzincht Inactive Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Posts: 1,636	Quote: Originally Posted by JulesF I'm really not sure that's entirely correct. A good curry is definitely about balance of flavours, not just pure heat, but a vindaloo is at least authentically Indian (from Goa, adapted from dishes brought over there by the Portuguese), whereas the much milder and more popular tikka massala was invented in Britain, for British tastes. So the Indian chef I worked with was lying, I don't think so. Vindaloo may be authentic but it's not something that's eaten often over there. And Tikka Massala was still invented in India. It's one of the most popular curries in Britain but it's not British.